Configurable celebration system

ABSTRACT

Configurable celebration systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the configurable celebration system comprises a first storage means defining one or more celebration activities and a second storage means defining more triggering events. A library of celebration bindings associates a particular triggering event with a particular celebration activity, such that upon the occurrence of a particular triggering event, the associated celebration activity is activated. A configuration component provides a casino operator interface for configuring at least one of the celebration activities, triggering events, binding parameters, or a combination thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationNo. 11/176,432, filed Jul. 6, 2005, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety. This application is related to co-pendingU.S. Patent Application No. ______ filed May 21, 2007, entitled METHODFOR CONFIGURING CELEBRATION ACTIVITY.

BACKGROUND

Casinos provide a variety of wagering games and devices to attractcasino patrons. New games and game features are continuously developedand added to the casino floor in the hopes of captivating andmaintaining player interest. In particular, gaming machines have beendeveloped with various components and features to enhance the gamingexperience for casino patrons.

Generally, gaming machines involve achieving a combination of winningsymbols to receive an award or prize. Typically, the player places a betor wager to activate the game. If the game result is a winningcombination, the player is paid cash or some other sort of value, suchas extra games or credits. In many games, the gaming machine presents anadditional feature to celebrate the winning combination. Typically thiscelebration activity may include a special symbol or graphic tocommemorate the win. Additionally, some gaming machines will alsoincorporate lighting and/or sound into the celebration activity.

The current gaming machines are manufactured with a fixed set ofpre-defined celebration activities, which may be limited in theircapabilities. Typically, the various parameters associated with thecelebration activity cannot be altered or reconfigured by the casino orby casino personnel. Most often, the celebration activities relate tothe game theme or a paytable. In order to promote continued playerexcitement, it would be advantageous to reconfigure various aspects ofthe celebration activities, thereby allowing the casino to present newand exciting celebrations to the player. The capability to change thecelebration activities would increase player excitement and continue tomaintain player interest in the gaming machine. Therefore, what isneeded is a method and system to allow for implementation of newcelebration concepts on one or more existing gaming devices.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to asystem and method for configuring celebration activity in a casinogaming system. One embodiment provides a configurable celebration systemfor use with a casino gaming system. The casino gaming system includesmore than one gaming machine connected via a network connection, andeach gaming machine provides one or more games for play. Theconfigurable celebration system comprises a first storage meansaccessible to the casino gaming system and a second storage meansaccessible to the casino system. The first storage means defines one ormore celebration activities, wherein each celebration activity includesone or more celebration features. The second storage means defines oneor more triggering events, wherein one or more of the triggering eventsactivate a celebration activity. Additionally a library of celebrationbindings associates a particular triggering event with a particularcelebration activity, such that upon the occurrence of a particulartriggering event, the associated celebration activity is activated. Aconfiguration component provides a casino operator interface forconfiguring at least one of the celebration activities, triggeringevents, binding parameters, or a combination thereof.

Another embodiment is directed to a casino gaming system comprising oneor more gaming machines connected to a back end server system via anetwork connection, where each gaming machine provides one or more gamesfor play. A first storage means is operatively connected to one or moregaming machines and stores one or more celebration activities. Thecelebration activities are configurable by a casino operator.Additionally, a second storage means is operatively connected to the oneor more gaming machines and stores one or more triggering events. One ormore of the triggering events are configurable by a casino operator. Abinding means is in communication with the first storage means and thesecond storage means. The binding means associates a particulartriggering event with a particular celebration activity, such that whenthe particular triggering event occurs the associated particularcelebration activity is presented on one or more gaming machines. Aconfiguration component is operatively to connected the back end server,and the configuration component allows a casino operator to configure atleast one of the celebration activities, triggering events and bindingactivities.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of thevarious embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a gaming machine for use with an embodimentof a configurable celebration system.

FIG. 2 is a table listing example celebration figures and associatedparameters for use with an embodiment of a configurable celebrationsystem.

FIG. 3 is a table listing example event activities and associatedparameters for use with an embodiment of a configurable celebrationsystem.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a casino gaming system for use with anembodiment of a configurable celebration system.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of multiple gaming machine displays presentingvarious celebration activities.

FIG. 6 is an example hierarchical listing of celebration features basedon defined ranges of payout values.

FIG. 7 is another example hierarchical listing of celebration featuresbased on defined ranges of payout values.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of various gaming machine displays presentingvarious celebration activities.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a gaming machine for use with an embodimentof a configurable celebration system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to providing a gamingsystem having additional entertainment features. More particularly,various embodiments are directed to a configurable celebration systemfor use in a gaming system. Additionally, the configurable celebrationsystem allows a casino to configure various aspects of gamecelebrations, such as determining the particular features presented to aplayer during the celebration activity, as well as defining the variousevents that trigger the activation of celebration activity. Embodimentsof the system and method are illustrated and described herein, by way ofexample only, and not by way of limitation.

Typically, celebrations are entertaining experiences incorporated bycasinos to increase player interest. For example, gaming machinespresent various types of celebration activity during game play toenhance the player game experience. In one embodiment, the celebrationactivity is presented to a player, after the occurrence of a particular,specific event. For example, the celebration activity may be presentedafter a winning outcome on a gaming machine to commemorate and celebratethe win. The celebration activity may include various features such as,but not limited to, visual video presentations, audio presentations,multimedia presentations, lighting effects, general device control, andsending and receiving network messages. Further, the celebrationactivity may include one or more of the aforementioned features, in anycombination. In particular, the visual video presentation feature mayinclude, but is not limited to, such examples as two-dimensional images,three-dimensional images, animated graphics, photographs, and videopresentations. The sound presentation feature may include, but is notlimited to, music, dialogue, and sound effects. Examples of generaldevice control include, but are not limited to, mechanical or motioneffects, tactile responses, vibration effects, temperature changes, fogor mist effects, and scent effects.

In various embodiments, the celebration features presented duringcelebration activities are stored in a memory device (not shown). By wayof example, but not by limitation, such devices include external memorydevices, hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and flash memory cards. In oneembodiment, the features of the celebration activities are stored on acasino back end system. In an alternate embodiment, the features of thecelebration activities are stored in a remote storage device. In oneembodiment, the remote storage device is housed in a remote server. Thegaming machine may access the remote storage device via a networkconnection, including but not limited to a local area networkconnection, a TCP/IP connection, a wireless connection, or any othermeans for operatively networking components together. Optionally,features of the celebration activities are stored in a memory device(not shown) for use with a gaming machine.

The duration of the celebration activity may vary. In one embodiment,the celebration activity may be presented for a fixed duration of time.For example, the casino may configure the presentation to last for afixed time of 15 seconds. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe fixed time duration may be of any length. Optionally, in analternate embodiment, the celebration activity may terminate upon thecompletion of a feature. For example, if the celebration activityincludes the presentation of a video clip, then the celebration activitymay terminate upon the completion of the video clip. Additionally, in anoptional embodiment, the celebration activity may run continuously untila termination event occurs. Additionally, in an alternate embodiment,the player may have the ability to terminate the celebration activity.In another example embodiment, the player may postpone the presentationof the celebration activity. For example, in one scenario, a player isvisiting the casino with family and friends. If the player is playing agame alone and the presentation of a celebration activity is triggered,the player can delay the presentation in order to share the celebrationwith his family and friends.

The celebration activity may be presented on or around the gamingmachine or on associated devices such as centrally located overheadmonitors, seismic generators, or motion effects on the patron chair. Thecelebration activity may be personalized to include the player's name,picture or other personal data. Optionally, the celebration activity maybe configured to include information pertaining to current events, news,or weather information. Additionally, in an optional embodiment, thecelebration activity may be configured to include a seasonal or holidayrelated message. The celebration activity may be presented to a singleindividual such as the patron, or it may be presented to groups ofindividuals.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denotelike or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, moreparticularly to FIGS. 1-9, there are shown various embodiments of amethod and system directed to providing configurable celebrationactivity in a casino gaming system.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 having a display 12 isshown. In various embodiments, the display 12 is a viewing area thatpresents one or more games of chance such as, but not limited to,mechanical slots, video slots, video poker, video blackjack, video keno,video roulette, or Class II bingo. In alternate embodiments, the display12 may present games of skill or games of chance involving variouslevels of player skill. Additionally, one or more visual features of acelebration activity may be presented in the display 12.

In some embodiments, the display 12 is a video display such as, but notlimited to, a CRT (cathode ray tube), or a thin-panel display. Examplesof thin-panel displays include plasma, LCD (liquid crystal display),electroluminescent, vacuum fluorescent, field emission, or any othertypes of thin panel displays known or developed in the art.Additionally, the video picture may be presented in either a portrait orlandscape orientation and utilize standard or widescreen dimensions.Optionally, the game display 12 may also include a touch screen or touchglass system (not shown).

In various embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may be a mechanical slotmachine, video slot machine, video poker machine, keno machine, videoblackjack machine, or a gaming machine offering one or more of theabove-described games. The main cabinet 16 of the gaming machine 10 is aself-standing unit that is generally rectangular in shape. In otherembodiments, the cabinet (not shown) may be a slant-top, bar-top, ortable-top style cabinet. However, any shaped cabinet may be used withany embodiment of the gaming machine 10 and sized for a player to beable to sit or stand while playing a game. Additionally, the cabinet 16may be manufactured with reinforced steel or other rigid materials thatare resistant to tampering and vandalism.

In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 also comprises a gamingmechanism (not shown), which provides a game for play on the gamingmachine 10. In other embodiments, the gaming mechanism provides aplurality of games for play on the gaming machine 10. In one embodiment,the games available for play are stored on the gaming machine 10.Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the available games are storedon a network server operatively connected to the gaming machine 10,wherein the gaming machine 10 downloads the game.

Additionally, the gaming machine 10 may further include a plurality ofplayer-activated buttons 18, which may be used for numerous functionssuch as, but not limited to, selecting a wager denomination, selecting anumber of games to be played, selecting a wager amount per game,initiating a game, or cashing out money from the gaming machine 10. Thebuttons 18 function as input mechanisms and may include mechanicalbuttons, electromechanical buttons or touch screen buttons. Optionally,handle 19 may be “pulled” by a player to initiate a game. Additionally,one or more of the player-activated buttons 18 may be used as aninterface mechanism in conjunction with the presentation of acelebration activity. More particularly, one or more of theplayer-activated buttons 18 may be used by a player to terminate thepresentation of a celebration activity.

In one embodiment, the main cabinet 16 houses a game management unit(not shown) that includes a CPU, circuitry, and software for receivingsignals from the player-activated buttons 18 and a handle 19, operatingthe games, and transmitting signals to the respective game display 12and speakers 21. In one embodiment, one or more audio features of apresented celebration activity may output audio to the speakers 21. Thespeakers 21 may be operatively connected to an amplifier (not shown).Alternately, the speakers 21 may be self-amplified. Optionally, thespeakers 21 may be component speakers with separate tweeter, midrange,and subwoofer to provide better sound imaging to the gaming machinepatron. In yet another embodiment, the speakers 21 may be full rangespeakers (e.g., two-way, three-way or 4-way speakers). Optionally,various audio files for use with one or more audio features may bestored on the gaming machine 10.

In another embodiment, a seat (not shown) is operatively connected tothe gaming machine. In one embodiment, one or more celebrationactivities include a vibration effect. In particular, the operativelyconnected seat will vibrate during the celebration activity.Additionally, in some embodiments, the celebration activity includesadditional features in combination with the vibrating seat effect. Forexample, in one embodiment, a video may be displayed on the display 12while the seat (not shown) vibrates. Optionally, sound effects may beoutput from the speakers 21 during the above described celebrationactivity. Additionally, in one embodiment, the player may have theoption of terminating only the vibrating effect while the other featurescontinue.

In another embodiment, lighting effects are used during the presentationof the celebration activity. For example, during the presentation of acelebration activity, lights (not shown) on the gaming machine 10 mayflash dramatically to develop a sense of fanfare around a winningplayer. Additionally, other lighting effects capable for use during acelebration activity include, but are not limited to, pulsating lighteffects, backlighting, black lighting and colored lighting. In oneembodiment, lights are strategically placed about the exterior of thegaming machine 10 (not shown). In this and other similar embodiments,during the presentation of a celebration activity, the lights areselectively turned on and off to create various effects. For example,the lights may sequentially turn on and off to give the illusion ofspinning. The lights may be conventionally controlled by circuitry tiedto the gaming machine processor and software. Additionally, the lightsmay flash different colors to create a particular effect. For example,some lights may flash blue, while other lights flash red. It may furtherbe appreciated that the lights may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs)with red-green-blue or similar coloring which came be activatedaccording to an algorithm or pattern to cause particular visual affectsthat generate excitement or entertainment to a player.

In yet another example, the celebration activity incorporates one ormore special effect features. The special effects may include, but arenot limited to, the presentation of laser lights, holograms, scenteffects and the emission of mist or fog. Optionally, a celebrationactivity may also incorporate temperature changes. For example, duringthe presentation of a particular celebration activity, the temperaturearound the gaming machine may noticeably decrease. Alternately, thetemperature around the gaming machine may noticeably increase during thepresentation of a celebration activity.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a celebration activity mayincorporate a countless number of features, whether alone or incombination. Additionally, the features used in the celebration activitymay be configured and defined by the casino, or a casino operator. Inone embodiment, a casino receives a gaming machine from a manufacture,wherein the gaming machine has pre-configured features for use with thecelebration activities. The casino has the capability of reconfiguringthe celebration activities, including adding or deleting celebrationfeatures.

A listing of example celebration features and associated parameters arepresented in a table in FIG. 2. As will be evident to those skilled inthe art with reference to the disclosed table, variations in the orderor inclusion of additional features and/or parameters will be possible.

In one embodiment, the celebration activity may be presented aspre-defined combinations of one or more features. Additionally, thecelebration activity may be presented as the random selection of asingle combination of features from a library of pre-defined featuresets. The random selection may use a bias factor for weighting thefrequency at which each of the pre-defined feature sets is selected.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any frequency could beused. Optionally, in another embodiment, the celebration activity mayinclude multiple celebrations chained together in a sequence.

Additionally, in various embodiments, a casino configures thecelebration activities. More particular, the casino may determine thenumber of celebration activities available for use in a gaming system,and the casino may also define the various features that are included inparticular celebration activities. Optionally, in another embodiment,the celebration activities are pre-determined by a manufacturer, but maybe reconfigured by a casino. The configured celebration activities arethen stored in a storage device. In one embodiment, a library of definedcelebration activities is stored on the gaming machine 10. In anoptional embodiment, a library of defined celebration activities isstored in a memory device in a casino gaming system, wherein the gamingmachine 10 may access the memory device.

In various embodiments, a celebration activity is activated upon theoccurrence of a triggering event. In some embodiments, the casinodetermines which actions are defined as triggering events. Optionally, amanufacturer may predefine the triggering events, but the casino mayreconfigure the events that will actually trigger the activation of acelebration activity.

In an optional embodiment, a triggering event may also be configured toterminate particular celebration activities. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that a vast variety of activities and game functions maybe defined as triggering events. For example, the action of using aplayer tracking identification device may be defined and configured as atriggering event. More particularly, the insertion of a player trackingidentification device into a gaming machine 10 may trigger a particularpre-defined celebration activity. Optionally, the removal of a playertracking identification device may trigger a particular, pre-definedcelebration activity, which may be the same celebration activity astriggered by insertion of the player tracking identification device.Alternately, removal of a player tracking identification device maytrigger a celebration activity different than the one triggered by theinsertion of the player tracking identification device. Additionally, inanother optional embodiment, the application of a player trackingidentification device triggers the activation of celebration activity.More particular, in a player tracking device having a wirelesstransmitter, the mere detection of the transmitted signal from thedevice may be a triggering event. Optionally, in an alternateembodiment, the signal detection in combination with identification ofthe tracking device is defined as a triggering event.

Another example function or activity that may be configured as atriggering event is directed towards the game winning level. Typically,in a game, the various resulting winning combinations have differentvalues. Additionally, the values of the winning combinations may becategorized into various levels by the casino operator, wherein eachlevel may comprise a range of values. In one embodiment the occurrenceof a particular game winning level triggers a particular celebrationactivity. For example, in poker, a “three-of-a-kind” is a particularwinning hand that refers to a particular win level, and a“four-of-a-kind” is a different particular winning hand that refers to ahigher win level. In other words a “four-of-a-kind” is a higher levelwin as compared to the “three-of-a-kind.” For this example, theoccurrence of a “four-of-a-kind” would trigger the activation of acelebration activity different than the celebration activity that wouldbe presented if a “three-of-a-kind” had occurred.

Optionally, additional examples of functions or activities that may bedefined as triggering events include, but are not limited to, theoccurrence of a particular win amount, credit-in activity, credit-outactivity, the occurrence of a system bonus award, game idle period, gameactivity, player activity and an external signal. Typically, credit-inactivity refers to adding credits to the gaming machine 10. The creditsmay be added via a gaming device such as, but not limited to, a coinacceptor, bill acceptor, voucher, WAT, and smart card. Generally,credit-out activity refers to cashing out credits from the gamingmachine 10 via such devices as, but not limited to, a hopper, voucher,WAT, and smart card.

Typically, a system bonus award is a prize or amount awarded to aplayer. For example, in one embodiment, the configured triggering eventmay be defined as the awarding of a bonus between 25 and 200 credits. Insome embodiments, the occurrence of the defined event triggerscelebration activity.

The game idle period refers to the time when the gaming machine is notbeing played. A trigger event may consider the game idle period. Forexample, in one embodiment, a game idle period is defined as no creditsreceived and no activity for five minutes. Once the defined game idleperiod occurs, a celebration activity is triggered. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that the game idle period may be defined as anyamount of time.

Game activity and player activity are directed to actions from a gameperspective and a player perspective, respectively. For example, gameactivity may include receiving a player's wager. Additionally, playeractivity may include a player pressing the service or help button.

Optionally, external signals may be configured to be a triggering event.For example, in one embodiment, receiving a network message triggers acelebration activity.

The functions and/or actions defined as triggering events may haveassociated parameters that modify the event for specific criteria. Forexample, for the game win level, parameters such as the bet amount andwin level may further define the event. More particularly, in a pokergame, an event may be configured to require a maximum bet in addition toa resulting “full-house” in order to trigger the activation of acelebration activity. For this example, the mere presence of a resulting“full-house” will not activate the celebration activity unless theplayer also initially wagered the maximum bet amount.

In another example, the trigger event is defined as having a range ofparameters. For example, using the poker reference, an example“Event102” is configured to trigger a celebration activity only if amaximum bet was placed, and if the win generates an amount between 50and 100 credits inclusively. In another example, an “Event 103” isconfigured to trigger a celebration activity when any network messagefrom a specific host is received. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that any combination of parameters may be used to define atriggering event.

Additionally, in various embodiments, the one or more triggering eventsare defined and configured by a casino or casino operator. Theconfigured triggering events are then stored in a storage device. In oneembodiment, a library of defined triggering events is stored on thegaming machine 10. In an optional embodiment, a library of definedtriggering events is stored in a memory device in a casino gamingsystem, wherein the gaming machine 10 may access the memory device.

As previously discussed, the various functions and activities of thegaming system may be defined as triggering events. The various functionsand activities may include one or more defining parameters. A tablelisting example activities/functions and associated parameters ispresented in FIG. 3. As will be evident to those skilled in the art withreference to the disclosed table, variations in the order or inclusionof additional activities/functions and/or parameters will be possible.

In various embodiments, the celebration activities and triggering eventsare associated via a configurable method. More particularly, atriggering event is bound or associated with one or more particularcelebration activities. This association indicates that upon theoccurrence of a particular triggering event, a celebration activityassociated with the particular event trigger is activated and presented.

A library of associations, or bindings, may be stored on a gamingmachine 10. In some embodiments, the library of associations is a sortof map that binds or links one or more defined triggering events to oneor more specific celebration activities. Alternately, the library ofassociations may be stored on a network, accessible to the gamingmachine. In one example, a defined “Event101” triggers the activation ofa “Celeb001.” An ASSOC101001 links the Celeb001 to the Event101.Alternately, in another example, an event may be configured to terminatethe presentation of a celebration activity.

In some embodiments, the features presented in the celebrationactivities are defined to be intrinsic to the gaming machine's software.However, the content used for the features may be customized byproviding a different audio file, movie file, etc. In one exampleembodiment, the appropriate files for content customization may becopied to a user partition on media used by the gaming machine.Alternately, in another embodiment, the gaming machine may download thecustomization content via a network interface.

Optionally, in another embodiment, celebration activities that userandom selection or sequences have additional configuration capability.These capabilities may be configured via a configuration file copied toa user partition on media used by the gaming machine for celebrationconfiguration. Alternatively, in an optional embodiment, thesecapabilities may be configured via an operation screen or downloadedover the network.

Additionally, in another embodiment the triggering events are defined tobe intrinsic to the gaming machine's software. However, the triggeringevents may be customized by a casino. In another embodiment, theparameters of the triggering event may be customized and defined by thecasino, including an authorized casino operator. In some optionalembodiments, the same configuration capability can be used to definecelebration activities, trigger events, and the associations binding thetriggers events to particular celebration activities.

One embodiment of the configurable celebration system provides aconfiguration component for use by the casino, and more particularly,for use by authorized casino operators, to configure various aspects ofthe celebration system. In one embodiment, the configuration componentis a tool that provides an interface for casino operators to: define thefeatures presented in one or more celebration activities, definetriggering events, and associate various triggering events withparticular celebration activities.

In one embodiment, the configuration component is operatively connectedto a back end system. Referring to FIG. 4, a casino gaming system 110 isillustrated. The casino gaming system 110 comprises one or more gamingmachines 10 operatively connected via a network to a back end system112. In one embodiment, the back end system 112 includes a configurationcomponent (not shown) for use with the configurable celebration system.As discussed above, the configuration component may provide the casinowith an interface for defining and reconfiguring various aspects of thecelebration activity. Additionally, in another embodiment, theconfiguration component may query one or more of the gaming machines 10in the casino gaming system 110 to determine the celebration capabilityof each queried gaming machine 10 so that only meaningful celebrationsare configured for each gaming machine. For example, if it is determinedthat a particular gaming machine 10 does not have speakers, then itwould not be meaningful or effective to configure a celebration activityhaving audio features for that particular gaming machine 10. In oneembodiment, the configuration component automatically queries the gamingmachines 10. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, a casino operatorinterfaces with the configuration component, and sends out a particularquery at his initiation. In another embodiment, the configurationcomponent may query the gaming machines to determine the particulargaming-related content stored on the gaming machines. Furthermore, in anadditional embodiment, the configuration component can automaticallydownload information pertaining to celebration features onto one or moregaming machines. Optionally, the configuration component may also copycelebration related data from one gaming machine and may send the copiedcelebration data to a second gaming machine.

Additionally, in an optional embodiment, celebration related data may bedownloaded to one or more gaming machine dynamically. Alternately,celebration related data may be scheduled for download to one or moregaming machines. The configuration component may be used to configurethe implementation of the downloading.

In another embodiment, the configuration component may be used tocustomize the celebration activity. For example, the celebrationactivity may be customized for certain days of the week. Additionally,the celebration activity may be customized to correspond to certainholidays. In another embodiment, the celebration activity may becustomized for a certain player. For example, after recognizing a playerfrom the inserted player identification card, the presented celebrationactivity may include features specific to the recognized player.

In an optional embodiment, the configuration component includessimulation capability. In one example, after a casino operator hasconfigured the features and associated parameters for a particularcelebration activity, the celebration activity may be simulated on aparticular device or screen. The simulation provides the casino operatorwith a preview of the celebration activity.

Optionally, in another embodiment, the configuration component includesa portable, handheld device. In one embodiment, the handheld device mayperform one or more of the same functions the configuration componentthat resides at the back end system. For example, in one embodiment, thehandheld device includes simulation capability. The handheld device maybe taken out on the casino floor and may interact wirelessly with one ormore gaming machines. For example, a casino operator may point thehandheld device at a particular gaming machine 10 and configure one ormore celebration activities for the gaming machine. Once theconfiguration is complete, the handheld device may provide a preview ofthe resulting configuration. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, thehandheld device may physically connect with one or more gaming machinesin order to configure the celebration activities.

One embodiment of the configurable celebration system incorporatessecurity features. In particular, one embodiment provides a mechanism toauthenticate the content of the various features presented in thecelebration activity. Additionally, in another embodiment, theconfigurable celebration activities are checked against their associatedconfigurable event triggers. Optionally, in one embodiment, the securitymechanism uses two strategies for preventing non-authenticable contentand/or invalid configurations. The first strategy authenticates thecontent of one or more of the features of the celebration activity, andthe second strategy checks the permission of the content of one or moreof the features.

One security concern is that inappropriate or unauthorized celebrationcontent may be placed on a gaming machine and then configured into thecelebration system. In one embodiment, this concern is addressed byimplementing an authentication scheme for all content of the celebrationactivities. In one embodiment, the authentication scheme requires thecontent of each feature to be digitally signed by an authority entitywith a secure hash. The digital signature is stored in a reservedsection of the content files called the header. The gaming machine maythen ‘authenticate’ the content by independently calculating the digitalsignature of the content. If the calculated digital signature matchesthe digital signature in the header, the content is consideredauthentic. Otherwise the content is deemed to be unauthorized.

Another concern is that authorized content may be associated withinappropriate events. For example, a poker game may be inappropriatelyconfigured to associate a “Full House” win level event trigger with acelebration containing a “Royal Flush” multimedia feature. In oneembodiment, this error is addressed by incorporating a permissionchecking scheme. More particularly, in one embodiment, a list ofpermissions is stored in the file header. The permissions identify therestrictions for use of the content. In other words, the permissionsidentify the events and parameters, or groups of events, or parameterranges for which use is allowed. The permissions are cross-checkedduring configuration of the associations (e.g., the associations betweentrigger events and celebration activities), thereby allowing only theassociation of celebration activities and trigger events that matchpermissions. An attempt to configure an association between an eventtrigger and a celebration activity, where the permissions have beenmismatched, will be rejected by the configuration console. This mayinclude both direct configuration at the gaming machine and remoteconfiguration through a network.

In one embodiment, the configurable celebration system provides foroperator configuration to customize the presentation. Optionally, inanother embodiment, the architecture minimizes risk of rogue content andinvalid configurations by virtue of the security schemes that useauthentication and permission sets.

In an optional embodiment, celebration activity may be coordinatedacross multiple gaming machines in a casino gaming system. For example,in one example embodiment, a group of gaming machine's may be configuredto flash their bezel lights and generate an audio tone with duration ofone second, whenever one or more of the gaming machines has a win over499 credits. Optionally, in one embodiment, the flashing lights andemitted sound form a pattern, where the first gaming machine to win over499 credits flashes and sounds first, followed by the two machinesadjacent to the first machine, and then the next machine, and so on.Additionally, the multiple gaming machines can be configured to create apattern of light, such as a moving wave of light, during a celebrationactivity. Optionally, in another embodiment, the celebration activitymay be configured to occur along a bank of gaming machines.

Additionally, in the above described embodiment, a network celebrationhost may coordinate this activity. Referring back to FIG. 4, in oneembodiment, the network celebration host resides on the back end system112. As previously described, the casino gaming system 110 comprises oneor more gaming machines 10. In various embodiments, any of the gamingmachines 10 may be any type of electronic or mechanical gaming devices,such as, but not limited to, a mechanical reel spinning slot machine,video slot machine, video poker machine, keno machine, video blackjackmachine, or a gaming machine offering one or more of the above-describedgames. Examples include, but are not limited to, the S6000 mechanicalreel spinner and the Alpha video slot machine from Bally Gaming.Additionally, one or more of the gaming machines 10 may comprise one ormore data repositories for storing data. Examples of information storedby the gaming machines 10 include, but are not limited to, accountingdata, maintenance history information, short and/or long-term play data,real-time play data, sound data, celebration activity data, andtriggering events data. The sound data may include, but is not limitedto, audio files, sound clips, wav files, mp3 files and sound files savedin various other formats. Furthermore, each gaming machine 10 comprisesan audio system (not shown) for outputting sound.

The gaming machines 10 are connected via a network to a network bridge120, which is used for networking, routing and polling gaming machines.The network bridge 120 connects to a back end system 112. Optionally,the gaming machines 10 may connect to the network via a network rack122, which provides for a fewer number of connections to the back endsystem 112. Both network bridge 120 and network rack 122 may beclassified as middleware, and facilitate communications between the backend system 112 and the gaming machines 10. The network bridges 120 andnetwork rack 122 may comprise data repositories for storing networkperformance data. Such performance data may be based on network trafficand other network related information. Optionally, the network bridge120 and the network rack 122 may be interchangeable components. Forexample, in one embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise onlynetwork bridges and no network racks. Alternatively, in anotherembodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise only network racks andno network bridges. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a casinogaming system may comprise any combination of one or more networkbridges and one or more network racks.

The back end system 112 may be configured to comprise one or moreservers. The type of server employed is generally determined by theplatform and software requirements of the gaming system. In oneembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the back end system 112 isconfigured to include three servers: a slot floor controller 114, acasino management server 116 and a casino database 118. The slot floorcontroller 114 is a part of the player tracking system for gatheringaccounting, security and player specific information. The casinomanagement server 116 and casino database 118 work together to store andprocess information specific to both employees and players. Playerspecific information includes, but is not limited to, passwords,biometric identification, player card identification, and biographicdata. Additionally, employee specification information may includebiographic data, biometric information, job level and rank, passwords,authorization codes and security clearance levels.

As described above, the network celebration host may organizecelebration activity presented on one or more of the gaming machines 10.For example, in one embodiment, the network celebration host receives areport of the particular gaming machine to first report a win over 499credits. Upon receiving the generated message, the network celebrationhost enters a mode where the host sends event triggers to multiplegaming machines in a defined sequence. The first gaming machine receivesthe first network message, the two adjacent gaming machines each receivenetwork messages one second later, and so on. As each gaming machinereceives its network message event trigger, the receiving gaming machinewill invoke the associated celebration activity. For example, the firstgaming machine, which receives its event trigger first, will flash itslights and sound its tone. The next gaming machines will receive theirnetwork message (which includes event triggers), and respond similarly.The process will continue as defined or configured by the casino.

In one embodiment, the configurable gaming system may categorize thedefined celebration activities into a hierarchical arrangement. In otherwords, the celebration activities are classified according to apre-determined ranking system. In one example embodiment, theconfigurable gaming system incorporates a hierarchical system ofcelebration graphics. Generally, celebration graphics refer to agraphical depiction that is presented after a winning outcome on agaming machine. Examples of celebration graphics include, but are notlimited to, a two-dimensional image, a three-dimensional image, ananimated graphic, a photograph and movie clips. Optionally, thepresentation of the celebration graphic may include sound (e.g., music,dialogue, or sound effects). Generally, in various embodiments of thehierarchical system, the duration and features of a particularcelebration graphic correspond to the value of the winning outcome.Essentially, any form or combination of media may be used to create andpresent a celebration graphic. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment,the configurable celebration system includes a hierarchical system ofcelebration activities. As previously discussed, celebration activitiesmay include graphic features, such as celebration graphics.Additionally, celebration activities may also include other types offeatures such as, but not limited to, audio presentations, multimediapresentations, lighting effects, general device control, sending andreceiving network messages, and any other visual presentations notcovered under the celebration graphics category. Further, thecelebration activity may include one or more of the aforementionedfeatures, in any combination.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the gaming machine 10 iscapable of displaying one or more games on the display 12. A game playeractivates a game on the gaming machine 10 and the resulting game outcomeis shown on the display 12. If the resulting game outcome includes awinning combination of symbols, then one or more celebration graphicscorresponding to the value of the winning combination are shown on thedisplay 12. For instance, in one embodiment winning combinations havingpayout values in the range of 1-10 credits are associated with aparticular celebration graphic, and payout values in the range of 10-100credits are associated with a more elaborate celebration graphic.Additionally, the jackpot payout may be associated with the mostelaborate celebration graphic. In this manner, the gaming machineprovides a player with incentive to play the game to view the variouscelebration graphics. As a result, the gaming device creates andmaintains more excitement for a player. As those skilled in the art willappreciate, the payout values may be categorized into a variety ofranges. Accordingly, the above example is merely one illustration ofsuch payout ranges and is not intended as a limitation. Additionally,the casino may configure and define the variety of ranges.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an initial gaming machine display 12 a and aresulting gaming machine display 12 b are shown. The initial gamingmachine display 12 a shows the winning combination “77*” in the displaywindow. The occurrence of this winning combination triggers thepresentation of a celebration graphic, which is shown in the resultinggaming machine display 12 b.

Also shown in FIG. 5 are an initial gaming machine display 13 a and aresulting gaming machine display 13 b. The occurrence of the winningcombination “777” is shown in the initial gaming machine display 13 a.This winning combination has a larger payout value than the winningcombination shown in the first initial gaming display 12 a. As a result,this winning combination triggers the presentation of a differentcelebration graphic than the one presented in resulting gaming machinedisplay 12 b. The celebration graphic shown in the resulting gamingmachine display 13 b includes five symbols while the celebration graphicshown in display 12 b only includes one symbol. When the winningcombination for the jackpot occurs, an even more elaborate celebrationgraphic (not shown) is presented.

In one embodiment, the triggering event that activates the celebrationgraphic is the occurrence of one or more winning combinations on thedisplay 12, in FIG. 1. Depending upon the value (which corresponds tothe odds of achieving the winning outcome), a corresponding celebrationgraphic is displayed. In another embodiment, the triggering event is theoccurrence of a bonus symbol on a payline.

Generally, most games have a variety of winning symbol combinations anda particular payout value is associated with each of the winning symbolcombinations. One embodiment configures a hierarchy of winning symbolcombinations based on the associated payout value of each. Typically,the manufacturer or the casino determines the particular payout schemeof a game and assigns payout values to the various winning symbolcombinations. Additionally, in one embodiment, the casino mayreconfigure and alter the scheme designed by the manufacturer. In oneembodiment, the assigned payout values are based on a standard payouttable. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the assigned payout valuesare based on a non-standard payout table. Optionally, in anotherembodiment, the payout scheme includes scatter pays, wherein the scatterpay is a win comprising non-adjacent symbols. Referring to FIG. 5, thewinning combination “7*7” shown in the initial gaming machine display 14a is a scatter-pay-win. As such, the winning combination triggers theoccurrence of a particular celebration graphic corresponding to thevalue of the winning combination (i.e., “7*7”).

In an optional embodiment, the payout scheme includes a transposed paytable, wherein the transposed pay table applies to symbol combinationsthat are in reverse order as compared to a standard pay table. That is,winning combinations are generally read from left to right. However,when using a transposed pay table, the winning symbol combinations arereversed such that the winning combinations are “read” right to left.For example, referring to FIG. 5, the standard table pays out coins fora “7*7” symbol combination as shown in display 12 a. A transposed paytable would pay out for a “7*7” combination (not shown).

In one embodiment, the amount of time the celebration graphics arepresented on the display corresponds to the value of the winningcombinations. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the varyingvalues of the winning combinations range from a predetermined minimumvalue to a predetermined maximum value. For instance, a small winningamount (e.g., 10 credits) will prompt the display of a simplecelebration graphic. For example, the simple celebration graphic isshort in duration (e.g., 2 seconds). For a larger winning amount (e.g.,25 credits) the celebration graphic is longer in duration (e.g., 5seconds). For an even larger winning amount (e.g., 100 credits) thecelebration graphic is even longer in duration (e.g., 10 seconds). Asthose skilled in the art will appreciate, the duration of thecelebration graphic may be programmed by the manufacturer or casinooperator. Additionally, the values of the winning combinations may becategorized into various levels by the manufacturer or casino operator,wherein each level may comprise a range of values. As those skilled inthe art will appreciate, an infinite number of categorizations ispossible.

In another embodiment, the complexity of the presented celebrationgraphic varies and depends on the values of the winning combinations.Likewise, in a similar embodiment, the complexity of the presentedcelebration activity depends on values of the winning combinations. Forinstance, a small winning amount (e.g., 5 credits) will prompt thedisplay of a simple celebration graphic. For example, the simplecelebration graphic is a picture of one symbol. For a larger winningamount (e.g., 50 credits) the celebration graphic is more complex. Forexample, the more complex celebration graphic may be a picturecomprising ten (10) animated symbols. For an even larger winning amount(e.g., 250 credits) the animated graphic may comprise fifteen (15)animated symbols and may include sound. As those skilled in the art willappreciate, the duration of the celebration graphic may be programmed bythe manufacturer or casino operator. Additionally, the values of thewinning combinations may be categorized into various levels by themanufacturer or casino operator, wherein each level may comprise a rangeof values. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, an infinitenumber of categorizations is possible.

In one embodiment, the payout values of the winning combinations arecategorized into five different levels. Referring to FIG. 6, a tableillustrating the five different levels of payout values is shown. Levelone includes winning combinations having payout values ranging from 1 to10 credits. Level two includes winning combinations having payout valuesranging from 11 to 24 credits. Level three includes winning combinationshaving payout values ranging from 25 to 49 credits. Level four includeswinning combinations having payout values ranging from 50-99 credits.Level five includes winning combinations having payout values rangingfrom 100 credits to a predetermined maximum number of credits. Aparticular celebration graphic and the duration of its display areassociated with each level. For example, a winning outcome worth 2credits corresponds to a “level one” win. Accordingly, for a level onewin, a simple “one symbol” celebration graphic is displayed for onesecond. As seen in the table shown in FIG. 6, the celebration graphicsvary according to the level of the winning outcome. As those skilled inthe art will appreciate, multiple configurations for winning outcomelevels are possible. The table shown in FIG. 6 is merely illustrativeand does not serve to limit the levels of payout values to the rangesspecified in the example.

In another embodiment, the winning combination payout values arecategorized into nine different levels. Referring to FIG. 7, a tableillustrating the nine different levels is shown. A particularcelebration graphic and the duration of its display are associated witheach level. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any number oflevels may be defined and the table shown in FIG. 7 does not serve tolimit the levels of payout values to the ranges specified in theexample.

In one embodiment, the celebration graphics are in the form ofsubstitution symbols. For example, when a symbol on the gaming machinedisplay is part of a winning combination, the symbol is substituted withan animated symbol to denote a win. Referring now to FIG. 8, varioussymbols in a video reel game are shown on the display 51 a. In thisparticular example, when a red “7” symbol (not shown in color in FIG. 8)is part of a winning combination, the red “7” symbol “changes” into ananimated “7” with a blazing fire surrounding the number. In other words,the red “7” symbol is substituted with an animated symbol having firethat appears to blaze. In one embodiment, the amount of time theanimated symbol is displayed depends on the value of the win. In anotherembodiment, the content of the animated symbol depends on the value ofthe win.

Referring back to FIG. 8, a winning line 71 is shown in the display 51a. In this example, the winning line 71 is a small win and as a resultthe red “7” symbol 60 is substituted with an animated symbol 61 having a“small fire” surrounding the number “7” (as shown in display 51 b). Inthe display 52 a, a winning line 72 having two red “7” symbols 60 isshown. In display 52 b, each of the red “7” symbols 60 have beensubstituted with an animated symbol 62. Since the winning line 72 isworth more than the winning line 71, each of the animated symbols 62have animated fire larger than the animated fire in the animated symbol61. Additionally, the display 53 a shows a winning line 73 having threered “7” symbols 60. The winning line 73 is a “big win” and as a resulteach red “7” symbol 60 in winning line 73 is substituted with ananimated “7” 63 having a big blazing fire, as shown in display 53 b. Atable 54 showing blown-up versions of animated symbols 61, 62 and 63 isprovided in FIG. 8. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, thetypes of animated graphics used as substitution symbols will varyaccording to the needs of the game.

In one embodiment the win values are divided into various levels andeach level is associated with a particular celebration graphic. Forexample, when a first level win (the smallest win) occurs, a red “7” issubstituted with an animated blazing “7” for one second. The animatedfigure appears to burn for the one second it is displayed on the screen.For a second level win, the red “7” is again substituted with ananimated blazing “7”, but is displayed for two seconds. For a thirdlevel win, a red “7” is substituted with an animated blazing “7”.However, in the celebration graphic associated with a third level win,the fire surrounding the “7” blazes higher and more fiercely than thefire shown for the lower level wins. Additionally, the blazing fire isdisplayed for three seconds. For a fourth level win, one or more red“7”s are substituted with an animated blazing “7” for at least threeseconds. For the highest level win, one or more red “7”s are substitutedwith an animated blazing “7” and then the entire screen turns into araging inferno and fire engine sounds are heard. In an alternateembodiment, sound accompanies the display of the animated blazing “7”for any level win. Optionally, the sound may simulate the sounds of afire blazing.

In another embodiment, the features of the celebration graphic are basedupon two factors such as the winning combination and the amount of theplayer's wager. For instance, a small winning combination and a smallwager result in a short and simple celebration graphic. If the winningcombination has a small value, but the player has made a maximum bet,the celebration graphic may be longer in duration and more complex. Asthose skilled in the art will appreciate, the factors that affect theduration and complexity of the celebration graphic may be determined andconfigured by the manufacturer or casino operator.

In an alternative embodiment, the celebration graphic is an interactivecelebration graphic. The celebration graphic may include player datasuch as, but not limited to, player name, player birthday, or an imageof the player. In an optional embodiment, the interactive celebrationgraphic may include a character or other animated graphic announcing theplayer's name. Alternatively, a banner may display the player's name. Inanother embodiment, the player's data may be obtained when the playerinserts a player tracking card into the gaming machine. Optionally, theplayer data may be obtained when a player inputs biographical data intothe gaming machine. In yet another embodiment, the gaming machine mayinclude a camera to capture an image of the player. This image may thenbe incorporated into the celebration graphic.

In another embodiment, the celebration graphic may be interactive inthat the player can terminate the celebration graphic before the end ofthe graphic. Optionally, the player can mute the music or dialogue thatis also presented with the celebration graphic.

In another embodiment, the celebration graphic is generic to the gamingmachine. For instance, the celebration graphic may flash on the displayscreen, “Congratulations! You've won 10 credits!” and have a graphicaldepiction of floating balloons, streamers, and sound makers. Thecomplexity of the celebration graphic increases with more graphicalfeatures and sounds for larger winning combinations. Furthermore, theduration of the celebration graphic may be longer for higher winningcombinations.

In another embodiment, the celebration graphic corresponds to the themeof the game. In one example, the theme of a gaming machine is “GoldRush.” For a small winning combination, the celebration screen may showa character finding a small amount of gold. The character may thenbriefly dance, holler or hum a tune. For a large winning combination,the celebration graphic may show a character finding a large amount ofgold, and, then the character may start singing and dancing for a longeramount of time. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, theelaborate nature of the graphic depends upon the amount of the winningoutcome.

In an alternative embodiment, the celebration graphic may be based onsuch factors as time, date, weather, etc. For example, if a player isplaying a game on July 4^(th), the celebration graphic presented mightbe fireworks. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the fireworkthemed graphics may vary in complexity to correspond to the win amount.Optionally, in another embodiment, the celebration graphic incorporatesfeatures of current weather conditions. For example, if the weather israining, the celebration graphic could include an animated rainfall.Alternatively, the time of day may be incorporated into the celebrationgraphic. For example, in the morning, the celebration graphic couldinclude an animated display of the sun rising.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine comprises more than one display.Referring now to FIG. 9, the gaming machine 30 comprises a first display32 and a second display 34. In another embodiment, the first display 32of the gaming machine 30 displays mechanical reels (not shown). Thesecond display 34 presents a celebration graphic upon the occurrence ofa winning combination. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the celebrationgraphics are presented only on the first display 32. In anotherembodiment, the celebration graphics are only presented on the seconddisplay 34. In yet another embodiment, the celebration graphics arepresented on both the first and second displays 32 and 34. Optionally,in an alternate embodiment, a gaming machine may have more than twodisplays (not shown) and celebration graphics may be presented on anycombination of the displays.

Additionally, various embodiments of the gaming machines include amicroprocessor for determining whether a prize is to be awarded basedupon the outcome of the game (not shown). The microprocessor alsodetermines whether a triggering event is present to initiate thepresentation of a celebration graphic.

Optionally, another embodiment provides a method for celebrating winningsymbol combinations for a game on a gaming machine. The method comprisesbeginning play of the game on the gaming machine. At the prompt of auser, one or more symbols are presented on a gaming machine display.Next, it is determined whether the combination of presented symbolsmatches predetermined winning symbol combinations. The winning symbolcombinations have varying values. A memory storing a hierarchy ofcelebration graphics is accessed and the celebration graphic thatcorresponds to the value of the winning symbol combination is retrieved.The retrieved celebration graphic is then presented on the display tocelebrate the winning symbol combination.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimedinvention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made to the claimed inventionwithout following the example embodiments and applications illustratedand described herein, and without departing from the true spirit andscope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A configurable celebration system for use with a casino gaming systemhaving more than one gaming machine connected via a network connection,wherein each gaming machine provides one or more games for play, theconfigurable celebration system comprising: a first storage meansaccessible to the casino gaming system, the first storage means definingone or more celebration activities, wherein each celebration activityincludes one or more celebration features; a second storage meansaccessible to the casino gaming system, the second storage meansdefining one or more triggering events, wherein one or more of thetriggering events activates a celebration activity; a library ofcelebration bindings, wherein each celebration binding associates aparticular triggering event with a particular celebration activity, suchthat upon the occurrence of a particular triggering event, theassociated celebration activity is activated; and a configurationcomponent providing a casino operator interface for configuring at leastone of the celebration activities, triggering events, bindingparameters, or a combination thereof.
 2. The configurable celebrationsystem of claim 1, wherein one or more of the defined celebrationactivities comprise one or more visual presentations, audiopresentations, multimedia presentations, lighting effects, sensoryeffects, olfactory effects, device controlled effects, networktransmissions, or any combination thereof.
 3. The configurablecelebration system of claim 1, wherein one or more celebrationactivities have varying degrees of complexity that correspond to thevalues of winning combinations resulting from game play.
 4. Theconfigurable celebration system of claim 1, wherein each of the gamesprovided for play have one or more winning combinations of symbols, andthe winning combinations have varying values, and wherein the occurrenceof a particular winning combination triggers the activation of aparticular celebration activity depending upon the value of the winningcombination.
 5. The configurable celebration system of claim 4, whereinthe celebrations activities are organized according to a hierarchicalarrangement.
 6. The configurable celebration system of claim 1, whereinone or more of the celebration activities includes a user-interactivegraphic.
 7. The configurable celebration system of claim 1, wherein oneor more of the provided games includes a theme, and wherein one or moreof the celebration activities are configured to correspond to the themeof the game.
 8. The configurable celebration system of claim 1, whereinone or more gaming machines comprise a player tracking feature forreceiving information from a player identification card, and whereininformation received from a player identification card is configured tobe incorporated into one or more presented celebration activities. 9.The configurable celebration system of claim 1, wherein one or moregaming machines comprise a camera, and wherein images from the cameraare incorporated into one or more of the presented celebrationactivities.
 10. The configurable celebration system of claim 1, whereinthe celebration activity varies based upon at least one of the winningcombination value, player information, date, and time.
 11. Theconfigurable celebration system of claim 1, wherein the triggering eventis a winning outcome on a gaming machine.
 12. The configurablecelebration system of claim 1, wherein the duration of one or morecelebration activities is configured by a casino operator.
 13. Theconfigurable celebration system of claim 1, wherein one or morecelebration activities comprises motion effects on a player chair. 14.The configurable celebration system of claim 1, wherein a casinooperator configures one or more celebration activities to includelighting effects.
 15. The configurable celebration system of claim 1,wherein upon the occurrence of a particular triggering event, acelebration activity is randomly selected and then activated.
 16. Theconfigurable celebration system of claim 1, wherein one or morecelebration activities are pre-defined by a manufacturer, and arereconfigurable by a casino operator.
 17. The configurable celebrationsystem of claim 1, further comprising a security component operativelyconnected to the casino gaming system.
 18. The configurable celebrationsystem of claim 17, wherein the celebration activity comprisespresenting one or more celebration features having corresponding datacontent, and wherein the security component authenticates the datacontent of the one or more celebration features.
 19. The configurablecelebration system of claim 17, wherein the celebration activitycomprises presenting one or more celebration features havingcorresponding data content, and wherein the security component validatesthe data content of the one or more celebration features.
 20. Theconfigurable celebration system of claim 1, further comprising a networkcelebration host operatively connected to the one or more gamingmachines, wherein the network celebration host coordinates celebrationactivity across multiple gaming machines.
 21. The configurablecelebration system of claim 1, wherein the configuration componentcomprises a handheld device.
 22. The configurable celebration system ofclaim 1, wherein the configuration component comprises simulationcapability for previewing one or more configured celebration activities.23. A casino gaming system comprising: one or more gaming machinesconnected to a back end server system via a network connection, whereineach gaming machine provides one or more games for play; a first storagemeans operatively connected to one or more gaming machines and storingone or more celebration activities, wherein the celebration activitiesare configurable by a casino operator; a second storage meansoperatively connected to one or more gaming machines and storing one ormore triggering events, wherein one or more of the triggering events areconfigurable by a casino operator; a binding means in communication withthe first storage means and the second storage means, the binding meansassociating a particular triggering event with a particular celebrationactivity, such that when the particular triggering event occurs theassociated particular celebration activity is presented on one or moregaming machines; and a configuration component operatively connected theback end server, the configuration component allowing a casino operatorto configure at least one of the celebration activities, triggeringevents and binding activities.
 24. The casino gaming system of claim 23,wherein the celebration activity comprises one or more visualpresentations, audio presentations, multimedia presentations, lightingeffects, sensory effects, olfactory effects, device controlled effects,network transmissions, or any combination thereof.
 25. The casino gamingsystem of claim 23, wherein one or more celebration activities havevarying degrees of complexity that correspond to the values of winningcombinations resulting from game play.
 26. The casino gaming system ofclaim 23, wherein each of the games provided for play have one or morewinning combinations of symbols, and the winning combinations havevarying values, and wherein the occurrence of a particular winningcombination triggers the activation of a particular celebration activitydepending upon the value of the winning combination.
 27. The casinogaming system of claim 26, wherein the celebrations activities areorganized according to a hierarchical arrangement.
 28. The casino gamingsystem of claim 23, wherein one or more of the provided games includes atheme, and wherein one or more of the celebration activities areconfigured to correspond to the theme of the game.
 29. The casino gamingsystem of claim 23, wherein one or more gaming machines comprise aplayer tracking feature for receiving information from a playeridentification card, and wherein information received from a playeridentification card is configured to be incorporated into one or morepresented celebration activities.
 30. The casino gaming system of claim23, wherein one or more gaming machines comprise a camera, and whereinimages from the camera are incorporated into one or more of thepresented celebration activities.
 31. The casino gaming system of claim23, wherein the celebration activity varies based upon at least one ofthe winning combination value, player information, date, and time. 32.The casino gaming system of claim 23, wherein the duration of one ormore celebration activities is configured by a casino operator.
 33. Thecasino gaming system of claim 23, the configurable celebration system ofclaim 1, wherein upon the occurrence of a particular triggering event, acelebration activity is randomly selected and then activated.
 34. Thecasino gaming system of claim 23, wherein one or more celebrationactivities are pre-defined by a manufacturer, and are reconfigurable bya casino operator.
 35. The casino gaming system of claim 23, furthercomprising a security component operatively connected to the casinogaming system.
 36. The casino gaming system of claim 35, wherein thecelebration activity comprises presenting one or more celebrationfeatures having corresponding data content, and wherein the securitycomponent authenticates the data content of the one or more celebrationfeatures.
 37. The casino gaming system of claim 35, wherein thecelebration activity comprises presenting one or more celebrationfeatures having corresponding data content, and wherein the securitycomponent validates the data content of the one or more celebrationfeatures.
 38. The casino gaming system of claim 23, further comprising anetwork celebration host operatively connected to the one or more gamingmachines, wherein the network celebration host coordinates celebrationactivity across multiple gaming machines.
 39. The casino gaming systemof claim 23, wherein the configuration component comprises a handhelddevice.
 40. The casino gaming system of claim 23, wherein theconfiguration component comprises simulation capability for previewingone or more configured celebration activities.